Calderdale's Year of Culture 2024 kicks off with a bang on Saturday, April 13th, offering a dazzling array of 26 free events, activities, and performances throughout Halifax.
From 10 am to 8 pm, the town will be buzzing with a non-stop celebration of culture, creativity, and talent, featuring music, dancing, art, and workshops for all ages to enjoy.
This year-long celebration, dubbed CultureDale, marks Calderdale's 50th anniversary on April 1st, 2024, a significant milestone in the borough's history, and aligns with the overarching Vision 2024 for Calderdale.
Councillor Jenny Lynn, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, expressed excitement about the upcoming Year of Culture, highlighting the diverse range of events and activities that residents and visitors can partake in for free during the official launch on April 13th.
The CultureDale opening celebration event will be spread across The Piece Hall, Dean Clough, Halifax Borough Market, and various locations in Halifax town center.
Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall, emphasized the importance of showcasing and nurturing creativity, underscoring the region's wealth of talent and untapped potential.
Similarly, Jeremy Hall, Chairman at Dean Clough, expressed delight in hosting the CultureDale celebrations, emphasizing Dean Clough's role as a cultural hub and its commitment to engaging with the community.
For the full Year of Culture opening event program and to plan your day of cultural exploration, visit www.culturedale.co.uk/opening-celebration.
The opening event at The Piece Hall will feature ballroom dancing in the courtyard, performances by The Signing Choir, and folk singer-songwriter Roger Davies and his band. Meanwhile, Dean Clough will offer heritage-themed workshops and physical activities like climbing. Halifax Borough Market will host local artists, musicians, and a vibrant makers’ market, while the town center streets will come alive with music, skateboarding, art workshops, and more.
These festivities offer a glimpse of the diverse range of events and initiatives lined up for the entire Year of Culture, running from April 2024 to April 2025. Reflecting Calderdale's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant community spirit, the program promises something for everyone to enjoy.
Supported by external grants totaling around £2 million from organisations like the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Arts Council England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Year of Culture will feature contributions from various local creative organizations, including Mr Wilson’s, Hebden Bridge Arts, and Northern Rascals.
As the countdown to CultureDale begins, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a year filled with inspiring events, festivals, exhibitions, performances, and initiatives that celebrate Calderdale's unique identity and creative spirit. Visit www.culturedale.co.uk to stay updated and be part of this extraordinary cultural journey.
